The LoHud Yankees Blog

As usual, the Yankees are taking some early batting practice on the day after an off day on the road. Robinson Cano just took his hacks. Now it’s Francisco Cervelli’s turn. Nick Swisher and Curtis Granderson are standing around the cage. Looks like Jorge Posada is about to go through some catching punishment drills with Tony Pena.

Still no word on the lineup, but there is word that Nick Johnson has made a change.

Today he changed his uniform number from 26 to 36, which was the number he originally wore with the Yankees from 2002 to 2003. In that time, the number 36 has been worn by five players.

Tom Gordon (’04-’05), Mike Myers (’06-’07), Jim Brower (’07), Ian Kennedy (’07) and Edwar Ramirez (’08-’09).

Ramirez wore the number this spring.

Associated Press photo.

The Yankees have passed along pictures of the Yankees Monday morning visit to the Mologne House, a rehabilitation home for wounded veterans located near Walter Reed Medical Center in D.C.

In what could hardly be called any sort of surprise, Curt Schilling has a) taken a TV/radio gig where he’s now being paid to open his mouth; and b) he’s made some news by criticizing someone, specifically Javy Vazquez in a recent ESPN Radio interview.

Among other things, Schilling said Vazquez was a “phenomenal National League pitcher” who won’t cut it in the AL. “I never, ever thought the move to New York the first time was a good one, and I didn’t think this (move) was good as well. I don’t think he suddenly learned how to pitch when he went back to Atlanta and dealt last year,” Schilling said. “It’s hard to say this without sounding disrespectful, and I don’t mean it that way – the National League is an easier league to pitch in, period, and some guys aren’t equipped to get those same outs in the American League. And he’s one of those guys.”

Obviously Vazquez’s stock in New York isn’t at its highest right now, but I’m not in the group that believes he’s got no chance to thrive. If you look at his numbers from 2000-09, this is a guy who had a 113 ERA+, averaged 8.3 strikeouts per nine and 216 innings a season. To me, that’s a long enough track record that he gets some time to settle in.

The one alarming trend in Vazquez’s outings this year has been the few miles missing on his fastball. He’s not a guy who has had control problems in the past, so that aspect is something that can be fairly passed over, but the lack of aggressiveness with the fastball is worth watching. Vazquez says he’s healthy, which means there’s a mechanical issue at work; how quickly he gets it resolved will be critical. And I think he will.

Am I surprised that people are ready to cut bait on Vazquez? Hardly. Just like I’m not surprised that Schilling has opened his mouth yet again.

The Yankees went to the White House yesterday, essentially capping their 2009 season with a celebration and a few laughs with the President. Before meeting the President, the Yankees toured the White House and met with wounded soldiers in Washington D.C.

You can see more pictures of the event in our online gallery.

To be perfectly honest, I went into today’s White House event with high hopes and low expectations. I didn’t expect to see much or hear much, and I wasn’t sure the writers would have any access to players after the ceremony itself. In the end, the day exceeded even my hopes. It was a fun event that the players and the President seemed to enjoy. Certainly different from my usual work day. Thankfully, the Associated Press was there to take pictures.

Over the weekend, Derek Jeter talked about being taken aback when Bill Clinton called him by name during his first visit to the White House. Mark Teixiera had the same feeling this afternoon.

“When I said my name I said, oh my goodness, what’s he going to say?” Teixeira said.

President Obama highlighted Jorge Posada and Derek Jeter for what they’ve done off the field, but first he singled out Teixeira.

“Before he was a three-time Golden Glove winner, Mark was a 21-year-old kid fresh out of Georgia Tech,” President Obama said. “Shortly after signing his first Major League contract, Mark visited his old high school and asked how much it would cost to set up a scholarship in the name of a friend who had been killed in a car accident. And when he was told it would cost $75,000, he wrote a check on the spot.”

Teixeira’s friend Nick Liberatore died when they were junior in high school.

“I’ve always thought that baseball, it’s just a tool for me to try to do work for other people,” Teixeira said. “I’ve been very blessed in my career and the first thing I did when I had a chance was that scholarship, the first donation I made. For the President to single that out, I know Nick’s family, I’m going to call them as soon as we’re done here and just tell them how proud they should be of Nick and the life that he led.”

President Obama welcomed the Yankees into the East Room this afternoon, and celebrated their World Series championship by speaking more about the Yankees tradition than about their wins and losses.

He singled out Mark Teixeira’s work with a scholarship fund at his high school, and the spoke about Jorge Posada’s work for children with Craniosynostosis. He said that Derek Jeter “epitomizes” the tradition of the Yankees.

“What people tend to forget,” President Obama said. “Especially after watching their teams lose, is that being a Yankee is as much about character as it is about performance; as much about who you are as what you do. Being successful in New York doesn’t come easy, and it’s not for everybody. It takes a certain kind of player to thrive in the pressure cooker of Yankee Stadium -– somebody who is poised and professional, and knows what it takes to wear the pinstripes. It takes somebody who appreciates how lucky he is, and who feels a responsibility for those who are less fortunate.”

After the event, Jeter, Teixeira, Andy Pettitte, Alex Rodriguez and Joe Girardi met briefly with the media outside of the West Wing.

For whatever reason, I’m having trouble uploading audio at the moment, but I’ll try to get all of the President’s remarks posted to the blog as soon as possible. Until then, you can read a transcript at the White House website.

Luckily the Associated Press moved pictures quickly, which means you don’t have to see the bad pictures from my phone.

President Obama just wrapped up the ceremony in the East Room. He singled out Mariano Rivera, Mark Teixeira, Jorge Posada and Derek Jeter in his six minute, 45 second speech.

President Obama said that Jeter “epitomizes the beat of the Yankees tradition.”

When he was finished speaking, the President was given a signed No. 27 jersey, then held the trophy for a picture with the team.

Just a reminder that the Yankees ceremony with President Obama – taking place in the East Room of the White House – begins in just a few minutes. To watch it live, click right here.

For those who are curious, the East Room is the largest room in the White House; the ceremony was to have been in on the south lawn but was moved inside because of the weather.

What happens when the Yankees beat shows up at the White House? Lots and lots of pictures in the press room.

So far we’ve been shuttled back and forth, from standing just outside the East Room to just standing outside. Not sure why we moved, but it seems like the event is going to take place indoors. I’m guessing they’re just getting things in place. The media is gathered next to the driveway, waiting to go back inside.

The only Yankees player I’ve seen is Mark Teixeira, who was in the lobby with us for a little while.